RICHLAND, Wash. — I never grew up thinking I’d one day be considered a wine expert. I have two distinct wine memories from growing up in a naval town west of Seattle. The first is a box of California red wine that my mom kept in our refrigerator. It might have even been labeled “Chillable Red.” The other is going to an Italian restaurant called Tony’s, which made … [Read more...] about The Wine Knows: An accidental wine expert
My long, strange trip with Viognier
I had become a real fan of many of the Rhône varieties that had been produced in Washington state, so my dislike of Viognier was confusing. For sure, I had tasted delicious examples of the wine. While judging in Dallas one year, I adored a Texas version of Viognier. I thought it strange that I had this love/hate relationship with a variety that seemed to garner so much … [Read more...] about My long, strange trip with Viognier
The Wine Knows: Wine-related Movies with Industry Intrigue
The dark days of winter tend to inspire doubleheaders at my house — well, more like a matinee followed by a movie night — since it’s neither sunny nor warm enough yet in the Pacific Northwest for me to spend time outside. And while Oscar season is a time to explore new cinematic stories, it also leads me to revisit some of my favorite movies, regardless of their award … [Read more...] about The Wine Knows: Wine-related Movies with Industry Intrigue
From Argentina to Washington with Malbec for Juan Muñoz-Oca
Juan Muñoz-Oca, chief winemaker for the growing Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, was practically born with Malbec running through his veins. A native of Argentina’s Mendoza Valley, Muñoz-Oca was introduced to premium wine as a child. Before he turned 10, he knew he was going to be a winemaker when he grew up. The South American country is among the world's leading wine … [Read more...] about From Argentina to Washington with Malbec for Juan Muñoz-Oca
The Wine Knows: L’Ecole N°41 provides unique taste of its 2018 Perigee
A global pandemic turned a top Walla Walla Valley winery’s in-person outreach idea into an educational opportunity for adventurous wine consumers. But first, the back story from the iconic schoolhouse in the tiny town of Lowden. L'Ecole N° 41 can be viewed as a template for a Bordeaux-inspired house in Washington state with signature red blends crafted in an Old World … [Read more...] about The Wine Knows: L’Ecole N°41 provides unique taste of its 2018 Perigee